Last weekend, city crews once again proved their value when water began leaking from a 12-inch main along North Kentucky Street near Strickler Dairy.
Iola Water Department’s repair crew was called and started repairs shortly after 5:30 Saturday afternoon. The crew worked through most of the night, finishing up about 4:30 Sunday morning.
The culprit was a crack in the line that required about 14 feet of the pipe to be replaced.
For a gang well versed in such procedures, the job wasn’t a monumental chore. The weather had a role, though. When repairs began, the temperature was well below freezing and by the time all was done, it had dropped to 20 degrees.
Working in a trench filled with water and mud, no amount of clothing, boots and gloves are enough to keep a body warm.
But, as always is the case, the crew persevered.
Meanwhile, folks whose homes are fed by water carried by the main were delighted to awaken Sunday and find that showers and faucets worked.
Such events are lost on folks except those they directly affect, but point out for the umpteenth time why it is important to have local utilities and responsiveness within the city.
The same is true with the Electric Department, as anyone who has had the misfortune to have had lines downed by storms knows. It’s no fun to sit in the dark and worry about just how long it will be before food starts to thaw in a freezer, or not have the fan kick on to distribute warm or cool air.
Enough utility workers are on call during weekends, at night and on holidays to deal with any emergency.
While we’re patting backs, let’s not forget about public safety.
Law enforcement, fire and ambulance employees never take a break. Personnel is available anytime an emergency occurs.
We in Iola and Allen County are blessed in many ways, and a good part of it is because we live in circumstances small enough that those who tend to our needs are friends and neighbors.
— Bob Johnson
